18 April 2016

8 March 2016

Project details

Wider footpath

The street design provides more space for outdoor dining and widens the pedestrian thoroughfare by around half a metre, making it easier to move along the street.

Image: Design plan of the wider footpath and street features.

Parking removal

To create space for the widened footpath, we will remove approximately 14 on-street car parks between 75 and 101 Tamaki Drive. We will also relocate a mobility parking zone from 85 Tamaki Drive to 12A Patteson Avenue, replacing one existing car park.

Parking will still be available in the off-street car park, accessed from Patteson Avenue, which is free to anyone shopping in the local area.

Funding

Shared public and private funding have made this project possible. While the upgrade covers part of the town centre, it will benefit the entire community by showcasing Mission Bay as an even more attractive place to spend time.

The footpath remains public space, with businesses paying a licence fee to the council for on-street dining, based on the area used.

Contributors

Four partners are contributing to the project cost:

AT - 50%.

Urban Partners - 47%.

Barfoot & Thompson - 3%.

Ōrākei Local Board - contributed $150,000.

Have your say

Feedback closed on 15 April 2016. Thanks to all the people who told us what they thought of the street upgrade.

Feedback results

We received 113 submissions about this project, with comments indicating positive support for the proposal overall. There were some comments and concerns about specific aspects of the proposal.

Pedestrian access through outdoor dining areas

Some commenters raised concerns about the design restricting pedestrian movement due to an increase of diners and serving staff in the outdoor dining areas.

The design includes two outdoor dining areas, one along the building edge and the other along the kerb. These sections of footpath have a 2.4m-wide area set aside for pedestrians - enough space for people to pass through safely.

Car park removal

Some comments received indicate a concern that removing car parks will make it harder for drivers to find parking in the area.

We do not intend to create new car parks to replace the 14 that will be removed - a position that is supported by the Ōrākei Local Board and the Mission Bay Business Association.

The area has substantial parking, with street parking and 3 off-street car parks nearby. Our research indicates that while parking capacity sits at more than 90% during peak periods (such as a Saturday afternoon in summer), the average parking capacity is at around 50% at other times.

Shelter from traffic, noise and pollution

Some comments questioned how diners would be sheltered from traffic. There were also concerns that the outdoor dining areas would be unpopular due to it's proximity to noise and pollution from traffic.

The design includes a planted buffer and a seating area. We will also retain the existing pōhutukawa trees in the area.

Project funding

Some respondents have commented that the project uses public funding for private gain.

We believe the upgrade will benefit all visitors to the area as well as businesses. The outdoor dining area design change improves pedestrian access. Businesses also pay a per square meter licence fee to Auckland Council for use of the outdoor dining space.

Pedestrian and bike access around Mission Bay

Some comments suggest that the speed limit within the area should be reduced, and that additional pedestrian crossings and cycle lanes should be installed.

While these changes sit out-of-scope for this particular project, they could be included as part of future developments in the area. We recognise the importance of Tamaki Drive as a key cycling route, connecting cyclists with the town centres, Waitematā Harbour and central city.